YOUR COMMENTS

Stephen, your "close friend Sally" doesn't care a lick about humanity. Rather, she has dedicated her political life to ramming her personal views down every citizen's throat, at gunpoint.
- Scott, Manchester

My entire family wishes Sally Kelly a speedy recovery. I am glad this article states that the driver (my father) had a medical episode so as not to think he was recklessly driving or under the influence. I do believe her seatbelt helped her but also her car must've had a lot to do with it as well, I mean he was driving a caravan and she a little vw bug, she is in way better condition then my father is right now. In case any one wants to criticize he was not wearing a seatbelt. I find it disgusting people need to slander when others are in the hospital in critical condition what happened to "get well soon"? and once again condolences to sally kelly we are very truly sorry for what has happened to you.
- Angela, Concord

Michael, I am fairly certain that no one has been shot, or deadly force employed, simply because of a seatbelt violation in this country. I am quite certain that it would require additional circumstances. I am amazed at the amount of ignorance that is displayed when an open forum is offered. Rep. Kelly is an incredibly wonderful person who just happens to believe in something that could help save lives. I am not for the seatbelt law, but it is a wise person who chooses to wear them. It saved my life. I am pretty sure it saved her's as well as the person that hit her. I am not supportive of a law forcing us to wear them, but I also agree with Stephen. This is not the forum for that argument. Let's all be thankful that lives were spared and thankful that both of them shall recover. My prayers are with you and your families, Ms Kelly.
- anon, Merrimack NH

People. Please stop the bickering. Sally is a friend of mine, a close friend. I posted earlier. What you fail to realize is that two human beings almost lost their lives this weekend, the two people you are talking about. Several people lost their lives this weekend as the result of accidents. If you think that Sally or anyone else that was injured, or lost their life this weekend was doing it to futher some sort of an agenda, you are complete and utter morons. I REPEAT: A LITTLE HUMANTIY GOES A LONG WAY. Can you folks just stop and honestly think about how many lives were affected this weekend alone, because mine was. I almost lost a friend. And the jerks that want to use this as a soap box should honestly think about how they would feel were they to lose someone they love in a similar situation. Think about how you would feel if you lost your sister, brother, wife, husband, son daughter, or best friend. Just stop. Think for a change.
- Stephen, Bedford

CL is shocked that I would "use this issue," but that's exactly what Rep. Kelly has been doing, only now she has the misfortune of having a personal anecdote, instead of having to use the anecdotes of others.

CL twists my words, but nevertheless the implicit threat of physical force is always present by virtue of the holstered handgun and baton. Otherwise why would anyone bother stopping when the blue lights flash? Police call it the "continuum of force" - it starts with verbal commands, and goes up to deadly force.

The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled, in 2001's Atwater v. Lago Vista case, that it is Constitutionally acceptable as a "reasonable seizure" for police to arrest, handcuff, and jail someone because of a $50 seatbelt violation.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/99-1408.ZS.html

If Ms. Atwater had resisted her seatbelt arrest, she may very well have experienced the police officer's gun "blazing." That's the nature of the force continuum.

When you involve the government, the ultimate bottom line is brute force - or when they draw their sidearms, deadly force - to compel compliance with the demands of the State.

EVEN WHEN it's "just a seatbelt violation."
- Michael Pelletier, Merrimack NH

I am shocked that Michael would use this issue to use the "live free or die" mentality. A state trooper would not have guns blazing to arrest someone for not wearing a seatbelt. That is just fear tactics talking. Rep. Kelly works hard for our state. During this unfortunate time she should only be wished well and not be chastised for promoting the use of seatbelts which clearly saved her life.
- CL, Concord

This is a terrible and unfortunate incident for both parties involved. The political commentary should be left for a better forum. I can guarantee that Representative Kelly did not induce the "medical episode" that caused the other driver to lose control to further her political agenda. A little humanity goes a long way... I think we should all just wish them both a speedy recovery and have our own key take-away lessons from what happened.
- Stephen, Bedford

My heart goes out to Rep. Kelly and her family, and I wish her a speedy recovery.

I hope, however, that she doesn't use this experience to justify and reinforce her desire to use the threat of violence to force others to make the same sensible choice she made to buckle up.

If she's not willing to personally confront someone on a dark roadside and intimidate them with a gun solely because they're not wearing their seatbelts, then she shouldn't demand that our state's police officers do so on her behalf.
- Michael Pelletier, Merrimack, NH

Mrs. Kelly had her seat belt on, which quite possibly saved her life in this head-on collision.
- Nora Kelly, Framingham, MA

I nearly lost my life at 17 years old when I was hit head on in my lane on Rte 4 in Chichester.

The other driver, Mr Jankauskas, was apparently late for work & chose to pass in a no passing zone. He claimed that he hit non-existant ice.

I have no recollection of this incident, other than what was later relayed to me.

Years after this event, I connected with the National Head Injury Foundation. I was then able to understand the difficult changes that I went through.

For those of you who blame the victims, get a clue. Your hatred & anger is misplaced.
- Denise, Manchester

Did you read the article Greg? It says her car was struck by a car driven by a 49 year old man who was possibly having a medical episode of some kind...she's not at fault...sheesh
- Kathleen, Chester, NH

What article were you reading Greg, the investigation showed the van crossed the center line and hit Rep. Kelly's car, not the other way around.
- PAUL SHERWOOD, MANCHESTR

I will note, Greg, that I grew up on Rt 4 in Chichester, and that road is dangerous. Also all news articles state the other driver crossed the lane, not Mrs Kelly. So unfortunately your comment is not applicable in this particular instance - don't blame the victim.
- LB, Chichester

Greg,
You clearly didn't read the article - but nice gut reaction.

Rep. Kelly was in her lane and was hit by a car which crossed the center line.

You probably should work on the reading thing before you post thoughtless comments.
- Michelle, Bow

Surprised this doesn't happen more, unless they just don't get reported. These 'House' people think they can drive however they want and since they have that license plate, nothing will happen to them. I frequently see 'House' cars zipping across 101 and weaving in and out of traffic
- Greg, Manchester